Comprehensive method and system for intake screening and medical records management

Abstract

A system and method for providing health care services, such as medical intake screening and follow-up patient care, including management of medical records and access to patient information for incarcerated individuals. Data regarding medical information collected during an initial intake and screening process and subsequent physical examination may be inputted into a data repository. Triggers based upon the specific data entered may generate alerts for follow up medical care.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority the following of Applicants' co-pending applications:[0002]U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 924,792, titled “Method and System for Intake Screening and Medical Records Management,” filed on May 31, 2007; and[0003]U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 924,791, titled “Comprehensive Method and System for Intake Screening and Medical Records Management,” filed on May 31, 2007, each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0004]1. Field of the Invention[0005]The present invention relates to methods and systems for providing health care services, such as medical intake screening and follow-up patient care, including management of medical records and access to patient information during subsequent screening. Specifically, the present invention is directed to providing intake screening and medical records management for incarcerated individuals located at various s...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010]The present invention solves the above-identified needs, and others, by providing methods and systems that include streamlined uniform initial medical intake screening and follow-up patient care procedures, with little or no variation in the clinical procedures used, the timing of the intake, and the clinical skill of the personnel performing the intake. In addition, the present invention provides methods and systems for medical intake screening and follow-up patient care, based on secure electronic storage of information, to ensure timely and secure access to patient information, both during the intake process and for any subsequent patient treatment. Further, the present invention provides methods and systems in accordance with the guidelines and recommendations for health care services for incarcerated individuals.

[0013]In an aspect of the present invention, after an individual is brought to the healthcare personnel, an initial intake and screening of medical information may be performed for the individual. During the initial intake and screening process, an individual may be assessed for any immediate health concerns that may need expedited medical attention. If the individual needs immediate medical attention, the intake screening process can be stopped and the appropriate medical treatment may be administered. The intake process may be completed after the individual has received the appropriate medical treatment. If the individual does not need immediate medical attention, the intake process continues. Specific data regarding the medical information collected during the initial intake and screening process may be inputted into a centralized data repository. Triggers based upon the specific data entered may generate alerts for follow up activities. These alerts may ensure consistent follow up activities and may help guide a physician through a clinical examination.

Problems solved by technology

One problem that exists in the art today is that the initial intake screenings of incarcerated individuals, which are performed by a variety of clinical personnel, have a high variation in the clinical procedures used, the timing of the intake, and the clinical skill of the personnel performing the intake, among other factors.

This approach often leads to difficulties with subsequent patient treatment, and particularly with providing accurate and up-to-date health information to medical practitioners at the point of care, to ensure appropriate and timely follow-up health care services, if needed.

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